Charcoal, storage and loading method

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for moisture-proof storage and loading of charcoal in portions, contained in a charcoal container with a pouring device. According to said invention, the container is fireproof, rust-proof, light and resealable and has a sufficient charcoal capacity; said container can be sealed by means of a cover, said container comprises a dust protection device; the pouring device, located on the top or at the bottom, simplifies pouring of charcoal in portions and a solid rod is designed for cleaning said pouring device.

The invention relates to a mobile, tiltable charcoal container with a cover which may be opened.

An example of such a charcoal container is known from U.S. Pat. No. 1,427,613.

The object of the invention is to provide a charcoal container of the type mentioned, which enables the contents to be poured out in portions.

This is achieved by the invention in that a spout, which protrudes downwards at an angle, is fitted to an opening at the top of the side of the charcoal container and a cover which may be opened that seals the spout at the bottom end.

The solution according to the invention has, in particular, the following advantages:

The design indicated enables a predetermined amount of the bulk material, in particular charcoal, to be separated from the main quantity of material and to pour out this predetermined amount without any of the main quantity slipping out with it.

The invention also relates to a method of using the charcoal container according to the invention.

In a first step, charcoal is tipped out of the container into the spout. In a second step, the container is straightened up again, so that excess charcoal returns to the container from the spout. In a third step, the cover of the spout is opened and charcoal can be poured out.

Below, the invention is explained in greater detail in the enclosed drawings to which express reference is made with regard to the disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic side view of the charcoal container according to the invention.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the cylindrical spout, according to the invention, with cap, which protrudes downwards and is fixed to the main body of the container.

FIGS. 3A-C show the sequence of pouring out portions when using the charcoal container.

FIG. 4 shows a pocket attached to the charcoal container for additional equipment and a cleaning rod.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the charcoal container with the cover removed, revealing the dust protection plates.

In FIG. 1, 2 designates the charcoal container as a whole, which is essentially cylindrical in shape. Close to the top edge is located a cylindrical nozzle 1, which points downwards at an angle and is connected to the inside of the container. On its underside, it has a ventilation slit 1.1. At the top, the container has a cover 3, which can be removed to fill the container. Handles 5 are fitted to the cover and rear side of the container (facing away from the nozzle) to facilitate handling of the charcoal container.

FIG. 2 shows more detail of the structure of the spout, which protrudes downwards at an angle. It has a sealing cover 8, which has a hinge 9, which enables the sealing cover 8 to be folded up. A locking device 10 prevents the cover 8 from opening unintentionally.

FIGS. 3A to C explain the use of the charcoal container according to the invention: The charcoal is located in the charcoal container 2 below the start of the spout 1 (FIG. 3A). This prevents any undefined quantity of charcoal from overflowing unintentionally. When tilted (see arrow) in the direction of the spout, charcoal passes over the bottom edge of the container/spout join into this spout in a quantity determined by the geometry and angle of the spout 1. When titled back, a prescribed portion remains in the spout 1. When the cover ((8) in FIG. 2) is opened, this amount then pours out of the spout.

FIG. 4 shows a practical pocket 7 for grill accessories on the side of the charcoal container 2, as well as a solid rod 6 for cleaning the spout, which (6) can be attached to the charcoal container.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section through which the dust protection plates 4 on the (inner) edge of the charcoal container are visible. The start of the spout can also be seen.

Therefore, the spout can be filled by tilting it and the material, which finds its way into the spout is prevented from escaping by the closed cover. When tilted back, the main part of the material slips back into the charcoal container, whilst the remaining part of the material, which is determined by the dimensions and angle of spout 1, remains in the part of the spout, which projects downwards. This can then be opened, when and where the portioned quantity is required.

DESCRIPTION

1. Method for the protected storage and portioned pouring of charcoal.

2.1. Up to now, charcoal has been sold in reinforced paper sacks, in which it is usually stored by the user, until used up. The disadvantage of the paper sacks is that it is difficult to pour portioned amounts of charcoal from the sack onto the grill and that moisture, caused by storage in the open, can affect the charcoal. Furthermore, with conventional sacks charcoal dust can easily escape once they are opened and it can be inhaled or result in contamination.

2.2. The method that is to be patented, has the advantage that, because of the pouring device (1, FIG. 1), it is simple to pour the charcoal onto the grill in required portions. A small ventilation slit (1.1 FIG. 1) in the pouring device, prevents pressure from building up inside the container. The container (2, FIG. 1) provides the charcoal with protection against weather/moisture and the cover with sealing flaps (3, FIG. 1) also prevents charcoal dust from escaping. In order to provide a certain amount of protection from dust when decanting charcoal from the conventional sack into the container, dust protection plates (4, FIG. 2) are fitted to the edge of the container.

The handle on the container and on the cover (5, FIG. 1) enables the whole process to be managed simply (FIG. 5).

To clean the pouring device a sturdy rod (6, FIG. 3) can also be supplied, which is introduced into the pouring device as required. A side pocket (7, FIG. 3) can be used to store grill accessories.

The pouring device has a sealing cover with handle (8, FIG. 4) and a hinge (9, FIG. 4) on the top side and a locking device (10, FIG. 4) on the bottom side.

The method can be applied using the same principle and with a pouring device at the bottom of the container (version B, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7). The functions and mechanisms are similar to version A.

“Method for the protected storage and portioned pouring of charcoal in a charcoal container with pouring device, which is characterised by the following features: 

1. Pouring device (1, FIG. 1) located at the top of the container, which simplifies the pouring of charcoal in portions and therefore provides a clean and safe method (FIG. 3) for portioning charcoal simply in the required amount.
 2. The pouring device (FIG. 2) is designed in such a way that the charcoal can be poured out in the required quantity close to the grill pan.
 3. The quantity of charcoal made available for pouring in the device is geared to the average amount required. If more charcoal is needed, the process (FIG. 3) can be repeated.
 4. The container comprises a dust protection device (6, FIG. 4), which reduces the severe dust formation produced when filling. 